Strings of Fate

26- Schedules and sick days

I tap Darrien on the arm to let me see. He moves to the side a little to reveal Maggie’s grandson Logan. The eleven year old looks pale and sweaty. His blond hair is almost plastered to his head. He’s bundled up in a thick jacket and looks completely miserable.

“Logan!” I shove Darrien out the way, he moves aside which is good because me pushing him likely had little effect.

“Sweetie, are you okay? You look a mess. Where’s your mum? What are you doing here? You didn’t walk here did you?” I stop myself to give him a chance to answer. His usually confident tone that reminds me so much of Maggie is quiet.

“I’m too sick for school so mum drove me here because she has to go to work. I knocked and waited a while but I don’t think Nana is home. Do you think you could call her for me please?” The poor thing looks dreadful. I’ve always liked Logan. He was only nine the first time we met and although my unusual eyes made him uncomfortable at first, he got used to them and now he treats me normally.

“Of course I’ll call her. But first come in and sit down.” I order. He compliantly steps inside and sits at the table. I grab my phone and select Maggie from my speed dial. It rings a few times but she doesn’t answer. I hang up. I guess I’ll just have to keep Logan here with me until she comes back from wherever she is. I would guess probably the markets.

“Sweetie, she didn’t answer. Your Nana is probably shopping and didn’t hear her phone. She

thinks you’re at school and isn’t expecting you. You can stay here with me until she comes. home okay?” I tell him. Logan nods, he looks a little uncomfortable but I don’t have a better alternative for him. He keeps sending sideways looks towards Darrien.

“Oh don’t worry about him. He only looks big and scary. He’s a big softie, aren’t you Darrien?” I poke Darrien’s arm. To my surprise, Darrien smiles and kneels down so he’s closer to Logan’s height while he is sitting in the chair.

“Hi, I’m Darrien.” He holds out a hand to the little boy. Logan contemplates it for a moment before taking Darrien’s hand and shaking it. He might be a little frightened but he is always such a polite kid. He opens his mouth then closes it again.

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“Do you want to say something Logan? It’s okay.” I tell him gently. He looks over at me then back to Darrien who is still kneeling beside him.

“You’re a Magic like Ryann aren’t you?” he blurts out. He then blushes, but he’s so pale and ill looking that it looks more like he has been running a marathon than anything else. Darrien nods.

not the same as Ryann. I’m a Shifter.” He explains. Logan’s

kind?” He asks. Darrien seems

he repeats. Logan

says there is. She says I’m not allowed to ask to see but she didn’t say I couldn’t ask what kind.” He adds as

means I turn into a big cat.” Logan nods his understanding. His nervousness seems to have been replaced with curiosity. Who knew Darrien was so good with kids? I’m glad, for Megan’s sake, assuming she wants kids. I think she does

bring you some orange juice and if you promise to be patient while you

to be in the way.” My heart

He looks so tiny in the bed. I pull out my laptop and help Logan

movie with you in a bit. You

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into the other room. I leave my bedroom door open so I can keep an

demands before I can even greet

didn’t realise that Maggie isn’t

you need anything?” he

we’re fine. Thanks though.”

your work? You have a shift starting at 12

“I say

I never told you. pointedly, Bellamy is silent for

needed to know when you would be available. Plus I wanted to make sure you would get Saturday off.”

me when I’m working.” I

vaguely. He changes the topic and I let it drop for

can ask someone to watch the

sweet of you to offer but I think Logan will be more comfortable with me. He knows me and the poor thing in having a rough day. If I haven’t heard from Maggie in the next hour or so I’ll just call in sick to work. I have plenty of sick days saved up. I’ll give them a couple hours notice so they can get someone to